I was reborn after cheating on the aloof and powerful man.

Chapter 75 The mantis stalks the cicada, but the oriole follows behind

Xiaoxiang Tower is built against the mountain and located on the riverbank. It is an elegant three-story wooden building.

Fei Xi took her junior brother Ji and Tang Huaiyi with her to the appointment, while her junior sister Mu Qingfeng was left at Ruyi Inn.

Junior Sister's martial arts skills are quite good; ordinary villains are no match for her. Although Yang Lao Er suffered a palm injury, he is not in mortal danger, and if anything happens, protecting Junior Sister will not be a problem.

Xiao Zhengqing is the most perverted poisonous creature raised by a perverted martial arts family. It's best to keep your junior sister away from him.

As Fei Xi entered Xiaoxiang Tower, a rich aroma of wine wafted towards her. Before she could ask anyone for directions, a richly dressed man stepped forward and led the way for them.

Fei Xi followed the man up to the third floor. The private room on the third floor was so quiet you could hear a pin drop, a world apart from the bustling lobby on the first floor.

On the way to the private room, I looked out from the railing and saw the river flowing gently and the green mountains like dark eyebrows.

This is a nice place. Let's bring my junior sister and Yang Lao Er here for dinner after we've investigated the flower thief incident.

Suppressing the thoughts that were rising in her mind, Fei Xi stepped into the private room.

The room was exquisitely furnished, complete with screens, bonsai, and antiques. Xiao Zhengqing sat at the table, noticing that only the three of them had arrived, and his gaze met that of the man who had led the way outside the door.

The man shook his head at him. Xiao Zhengqing's eyes darkened, but he quickly put on a fake smile and stood up:

"I am deeply honored by your presence. May I ask if I have failed in my hospitality, as Miss Fei's junior brothers and sisters are nowhere to be seen?"

Upon hearing the other party inquire about her junior sister, Fei Xi replied with a smile:

"Not at all, Young Master Xiao, you're overthinking it. Let me introduce you. This is my junior brother, Ji Zhongxuan. My two fellow disciples were supposed to come with me, but they encountered some urgent matters at our sect, so I sent them off to handle them. I thought it would be enough for Young Master Tang and me to come. Perhaps Young Master Xiao doesn't wish to host a banquet for us?"

Their eyes met. Fei Xi smiled brightly. Xiao Zhengqing had never encountered a woman who spoke so frankly before, and he choked for a moment, his smile becoming somewhat forced.

“Miss Fei is joking. Young Master Tang, Young Hero Ji, please have a seat.”

The three of them sat down, and delicious dishes were served one by one.

After a few rounds of drinks, Xiao Zhengqing took the initiative to bring up recent hot topics in the martial arts world: the grand gathering of the three schools of thought and the appearance of martial spirits as the Heavenly Drum resounded.

“Miss Fei, I heard that it was you who ordered the Heaven and Earth Drum to be struck. Has the Deer Cry Pavilion ever offended you? If my father hadn’t told me, I wouldn’t have known that striking the Heaven and Earth Drum would come at such a high price. Miss Fei dared to risk the lives of all the disciples of her sect to strike the Heaven and Earth Drum. I truly admire you greatly.”

Before Fei Xi could reply, the usually gentle Tang Huaiyi raised his wine glass and solemnly toasted her:

"The Deer Cry Pavilion has committed numerous evils, even going so far as to harm an entire sect in an attempt to seize another's teachings. If such a sect is allowed to grow powerful, no one can guarantee that they won't become the next target. Miss Fei's courage in standing up to expose their conspiracy has been praised by Master Xuanzhen as a blessing to the martial arts world. I, Tang, wholeheartedly agree, and on behalf of Tang Family Fortress, I would like to offer Miss Fei a toast."

"Young Master Tang, you flatter me. Fei Xi just happened to run into you."

"Our elders have always taught us that 'the purpose of practicing martial arts is not to fight and kill for personal gain. We should be chivalrous and righteous, and take it as our responsibility to benefit all living beings.' Although Fei Xi is physically unwell and cannot practice martial arts to protect the righteous path like her junior brothers and sisters, she has never forgotten the teachings of her sect."

"Back then, when Elder Xiao's childhood friend was harmed by a villain, Elder Xiao disregarded his own life to fight the villain to the death. Such a righteous and loyal act has always been a legend in the martial arts world. I believe that Young Master Xiao should understand that standing up for others does not necessarily mean having a grudge against the villain."

"Haha, Miss Fei is absolutely right."

The banquet quickly came to an end amidst the three men's feigned politeness, mutual flattery, and subtle barbs.

After seeing the three off, Xiao Zhengqing stood in the private room with a gloomy face.

What kind of righteous young master is he? He's just a fool who's blinded by love.

He usually hates those peers who are more outstanding than him, and he can't wait for his old man at home to die.

This senior disciple of the Qingcheng Sect, being such a treacherous, cunning, and competitive woman, is truly unchaste.

Since Tang Huaiyi seems blind to value this slut so much, let him see just how far Tang Huaiyi is willing to go for her.

Perfect timing! He's also determined to have that beauty at the inn.

Xiao Zhengqing clapped his hands, and a man in black appeared out of thin air in front of him.

"Young Master, shall we proceed according to plan?"

"Be discreet. Have you made all the arrangements with Xiang Hanjian?"

"Young Master, rest assured, Young Master Xiang has always believed that we were the ones who found us."

*

The carriage moved slowly along the road, and soon came to a stop.

Fei Xi lifted the curtain in confusion. How did we arrive so quickly?

The carriage stopped beside a bustling market, and Fei Xi curiously peeked out and looked around.

The streets were packed with people, filled with noise, and the air was filled with the aroma of various delicacies, making one's mouth water.

Hearing the noise, Tang Huaiyi, who was sitting in the front of the car, turned around and smiled, saying:

"Zhongxuan said he wanted to bring some food back for Miss Mu. I noticed you didn't eat much at the banquet. Was the food not to your liking?"

"Hmm, I don't really like eating fish."

Tongcheng is located on the upper reaches of the Sui River, and the locals love to eat fresh fish. The meal we just had was Xiaoxianglou's signature whole fish feast.

Fei Xi politely ate a couple of bites, but Tang Huaiyi noticed. She didn't mince words and frankly admitted that she didn't like it.

A long, slender, jade-like hand was extended in front of her.

"Come on, there's a wonton stall over here, come down and have some."

Taking the outstretched hand, Fei Xi got off the carriage, and the two walked to the stall.

The stall was run by a middle-aged couple, who treated the two of them as a couple when they came over.

Three bowls of wontons were quickly cooked and served.

A dozen or so plump, white-skinned little bellies float in the rich, flavorful broth. One bite, and the savory taste of the meat bursts in your mouth along with the broth.

When Ji Zhongxuan came looking for her, Fei Xi's ears were red. She spotted her junior brother in the distance and waved to him.

"Sigh, young people these days are really hard to understand."

"I thought that young man's eyes were practically glued to the girl, and he assumed they were a couple. But now it seems the girl prefers the handsome young man who came later."

The stall owner chatted with his wife while tidying up the tables.

*

At night, after tucking Mu Qingfeng in, Fei Xi looked at her sleeping junior sister's profile and pondered Xiao Zhengqing's intentions.

This person wouldn't do anything without a reason. He hadn't seen his junior sister's true face, so it's unlikely that he would go to the trouble of hosting a banquet specifically for her.

When Xiang Hanjian clashed with them on the street during the day, no one from Wushuang Manor showed up.

A fight breaking out at Ruyi Inn might attract righteous people, but it wouldn't warrant Xiao Zhengqing, the young master of the manor, personally intervening.

So who was his real target from the very beginning?

Fei Xi recalled the details of her past life at Wushuang Manor, and suddenly a thought flashed through her mind...

Oh no, they're after Tang Huaiyi!

Just then, she seemed to smell an unusual odor. She held her breath, quickly took out a pill from beside the bed and put it in her mouth, then put another one into her junior sister's mouth.

He nudged his junior sister awake and covered her mouth to stop her from crying out.

Fei Xi gestured to her junior sister not to speak. Just then, they heard the sounds of fighting coming from outside.

The two tiptoed to the door and peeked out through the crack. Under the light of the lanterns outside, Tang Huaiyi, Yang Lao Er, and Junior Brother Ji were fighting with a group of men in black.

Huh? The men in black are attacking each other?

Could there be more than just one group of men in black?!

Just then, there was a slight noise at the window, and a man's voice came from behind her:

"You didn't faint?"

As Fei Xi was about to turn around, a sharp pain suddenly shot through her neck, and her vision went black as she fainted.